Time to uograde my old mouse? Optical? Cordless?

J

Jon D

I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
 
S

Seb

Jon D said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

Best mouse i've ever used and do use is this (same with everyone else who
has used one)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8-7/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i7_xgl/203-7316627-7919952

Fits nicely in your palm
 
J

Jeff Gaines

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?
Click to expand...

None, mine has proved better in every respect. MS make good optical
mice, but there are any others.

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

I bought a wireless mouse and keyboard and returned it 48 hours later.
It suffered intermittent connections and was a complete pain. They may
well be better now (this was a couple of years ago) but I'd need some
convincing still.
 
S

Synapse Syndrome

Jon D said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

1. Optical is better than a ball mouse in every area, apart from if you have
some sort of black satin or glass desk. If you have, I suggest you
redecorate to get rid of your 80's decor.

2. I was sceptical about wireless mice until I got one. The batteries last
upto a couple of months on mine, with pretty intense use. If you
accidentally leave it upturned or on a black surface you could lose the
battery life in one night. They are very accurate - I use very high
resolutions and graphics/CAD software, and I find it better than a wired
mouse as it feels less restricted. Stick to Microsoft or Logitech. I knwo
that the 'Laser' MS mice are more precise than the 'Optical' ones, but I
don't know how battery life compares.

ss.
 
N

nut

Jon said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse is very precise. It's cordless but has a
mains powered docking unit for recharging. It's quite expensive, but those
who've got one all say it's the best mouse they've used... a friend just got
one from PCWorld for 35ukp, but you may find cheaper online.
 
M

mykb

nut said:
The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse is very precise. It's cordless but
has a mains powered docking unit for recharging. It's quite
expensive, but those who've got one all say it's the best mouse
they've used... a friend just got one from PCWorld for 35ukp, but you
may find cheaper online.
Click to expand...

I'll second that, I have a Logitec MX700 best mouse I've ever had, I have
quite large hands and the logitec is perfect, If I ever have to use a corded
mouse now at anytime it really bugs me.
mykb
 
T

Tim..

nut said:
The Logitech MX1000 laser mouse is very precise. It's cordless but has a
mains powered docking unit for recharging. It's quite expensive, but those
who've got one all say it's the best mouse they've used... a friend just got
one from PCWorld for 35ukp, but you may find cheaper online.
Click to expand...

The MX700 (if they still do it) is conventional LED version of the 1000 with
built in rechargables that you sit on the dock at night to recharge. Very
very good.

Tim..
 
C

Charlie Drake

Jon said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

Logitech MX1000 excellent piece of kit, responsive, accurate and reliable.

Charlie
 
J

John Fryatt

Jon said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?
Click to expand...

One of the best things I've bought. No drawbacks at all.
The only possible issue I can think of is if you want to use it on a
VERY plain and texture-less surface. Ordinary desks etc. are fine.
QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

Never had one so can't comment, but I've seen too much point for a
desktop-type PC. The cable is no problem. I guess if you have a media PC
in your lounge and want to run it from the sofa it might make sense.
 
E

Ed Medlin

Jon D said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

I have the Logitech MX Laser cordless and it is rechargeable. One full
charge will last from three weeks to a month depending on usage. It will
read on just about any surface except glass. I have had no problems with it
at all. The recharger also doubles as the transmitter and it will work for
sure at 10ft or so, I have never tried to go further. The shape is also very
comfortable too, if you are not left handed.......:)

Ed
 
L

Larry Roberts

1. Optical is better than a ball mouse in every area, apart from if you have
some sort of black satin or glass desk. If you have, I suggest you
redecorate to get rid of your 80's decor.
Click to expand...


I have a brandnew computer desk with a woodgrain laminate
surface, and my optical mice (3 different brands) can't track on it.
When you move the mouse, the pointer jerks all over the screen. I'm
trying to find out if the more expensive laser mice are able to track
on surfaces like this better.
 
T

ThePunisher

Jon D said:
I am using an old style mouse with cable and rollerball.

I would like to upgrade it because it the rollerball gets clogged up
with dirt. And the mousewheel too picks up dust which then gets into
the internal workings and makes the scrolling action jerky.

However, in the past I have heard various complaints about more
modern mice which have put me off. I have heard that some fancier
mice are ...

lacking in precision for cursor placement
slow to start responding
do not properly follow a long fast movement
etc

QUESTION 1: If I get an OPTICAL mouse then what sorts of performance
drawbacks or advantages might it have compared to my own mouse?

QUESTION 2: What about the performance a mouse that is both CORDLESS
and OPTICAL? Does the radio link restrict the bandwidth of data
transfer from mouse to PC and therefore restrict the performance?
What sort of life do the batteries have?
Click to expand...

The only mouse you'll ever need,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000093SB5/ref=br_lf_w_h__13/203-2636936-7442362
 
R

Rob Morley

reflective surfaces of any kind will cause any optical mouse to jump
Click to expand...
Actually Sun optical mice come with a shiny metal mouse mat (with a grid
marked on it).
 
J

JAD

Rob Morley said:
Actually Sun optical mice come with a shiny metal mouse mat (with a grid
marked on it).
Click to expand...

shiny or reflective? two different things....if it 'reflects' the
led/laser back onto itself the mouse will go wacky.
if the 'shiny surface 'deflects' light, the mouse could be ok. e.g. a
brushed aluminum surface compared to a mirror
 
A

Alan Gauton

shiny or reflective? two different things....if it 'reflects' the
led/laser back onto itself the mouse will go wacky.
if the 'shiny surface 'deflects' light, the mouse could be ok. e.g. a
brushed aluminum surface compared to a mirror
Click to expand...

Sun used to supply metal mouse mats for optical mice - then they went on
to ball based mice. The mats they supplied were like mirrors with a grid
printed on them. And at the time they were very good. Remember, you're
talking over a decade ago now.
 
T

Tony Houghton

In <[email protected]>,
Rob Morley said:
Actually Sun optical mice come with a shiny metal mouse mat (with a grid
marked on it).
Click to expand...

That's a different sort of technology; they rely on the regular grid
rather than being able to work with arbitrary patterns. They were
horrible to use because there was way too much friction between the
mouse and the mat. You used to have to stick the mat down to the desk,
and use so much force to get it moving that you couldn't stop it again
before the pointer had gone about five times as far as you wanted.
 
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